Antonio Espinós has been President of the WKF since 1998, and the EKF since 1997 ©WKF

World Karate Federation President Antonio Espinós met with Ukrainian Karate Federation counterpart Ivan Dutchak ahead of the 2023 European Karate Federation (EKF) Senior Karate Championships.

The pair discussed the situation of Ukrainian athletes competing in upcoming sports events, with some aiming to compete in the Senior Karate Championships set to occur from March 22 to 26 2023, in Guadalajara, Spain.

"I was pleased to meet with President Dutchak today in Madrid," said Espinós.

"I was delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate him and the Ukrainian karate family for their efforts to continue competing at the highest level despite the current challenging circumstances.

Turkey are the defending champions of the EKF Senior Karate Championships, leading all competing countries with seven gold medals ©Getty Images
Turkey are the defending champions of the EKF Senior Karate Championships, leading all competing countries with seven gold medals ©Getty Images

"The participation records and the impressive results of Ukrainian athletes in our major events lately are highly remarkable and admirable.

"The Ukrainian karate community deserves all the praise and recognition from the karate family in Europe and all over the world.

"We hope to continue witnessing Ukrainian karatekas taking part in our events."

The EKF are organising their 58th edition of the Senior Karate Championships, with France currently having the most gold medals with 167, and hosts Spain in second with 144.